ORLANDO, FL –

Central Florida Vocal Arts (CFVA) will introduce a powerful new tradition at its third annual Aces for Arts Access Gala: A Night of Play for a Purpose on Saturday, April 25—honoring four extraordinary individuals and organizations whose leadership and generosity are helping ensure that all voices are heard across Central Florida.

Presented with support from Cogent Bank, Nemours Children’s Hospital, WP Health Foundation, Massey Services, Associated Builders and Contractors of Central Florida, Bank OZK and In-Kind support from Avenue Event Group, Photobooth Rocks, Tito’s Vodka, Se7en Bites The Good Pour, Fun Planners.  

CFVA’s inaugural Impact Awards recognize partners who are more than donors – they are community change-makers working alongside CFVA to transform lives through access, opportunity and belonging.

“At CFVA, we see every day how access to the arts builds confidence, connection, and a sense of purpose in young people,” said Founder & Executive Director Theresa Smith-Levin. “These honorees are part of that story. They are helping us remove barriers, open doors, and ensure that every person, especially our community’s youth, has the opportunity to find and use their voice; voices that we know can change the world.”

2026 Impact Award Honorees

Youth Champion Award
Commissioner Craig Russell — Public servant, nonprofit leader, and tireless advocate for young people, helping create pathways for CFVA programs to reach students who need them most.

Community Visionary Award
Winter Park Health Foundation — A key partner advancing wellness through the arts, supporting free lessons, community classes, and programming for youth, seniors, and historically underserved populations.

Distinguished Service to the Arts
Gontran Durocher — Longtime CFVA photographer, major donor, and creative collaborator whose visual storytelling has amplified CFVA’s mission and impact.

Sustained Impact Award
Massey Services — A founding supporter whose long-term investment, including a transformative $50,000 gift, has expanded CFVA’s Arts for All initiatives and community reach.

A Growing Tradition with Purpose

Now in its third year, Aces for Arts Access has become one of Central Florida’s most dynamic philanthropic events bringing together civic, business and community leaders for an evening that is both celebratory and purpose-driven. Funds raised at this event support:

• A tuition-free Summer Institute, where no student is turned away
• 70+ community partnership classes serving vulnerable youth, families and seniors

• 70% of Summer Institute students received financial aid
• 100% reported a sense of belonging
• 52,000+ audience members were reached across Central Florida